Checklist: Reasons to Update Your Will & Estate Planning Documents

Checklist: Reasons to Update Your Will & Estate Planning Documents

Once they make a will, many people will put it in a safe deposit box or leave a copy with their attorney, and forget about it. However, there are many reasons to review and update your will and other estate planning documents.

Below is a checklist of events that may prompt you to do so.

____ The individuals you have named are deceased.
____ New people should be named in your will (e.g. birth, adoption).
____ Divorce or marriage.
____ New state laws. You need to periodically check to see whether your state has enacted new laws that impact your estate planning documents. More importantly, if you move to a different state, don’t assume that your will made in your previous state conforms to the requirements of your new state. Each state has its own legal requirements for making a will.
____ Change in guardians, personal representatives, or trustees.
____ Children reach the age of eighteen.
____ A substantial increase or decrease in the value of your estate.
____ The acquisition or disposition of a significant asset.
____ You should see an attorney about reviewing and updating your estate plans prior to reaching 701/2 years of age if you have an IRA, 401(k), or other qualified plan that requires you to begin to take distributions at age 701/2. The beneficiary that you designated will have an irrevocable impact on both your and your beneficiary’s required distributions.
____ The passage of time is reason enough. You should review your will and estate planning documents every three to five years.

Richard Anderson knew my husband had no knowledge of matters involving a lawsuit filed by his cousin. He accused him of fraud and conversion of funds. My husband wasn't even residing in CA and hadn't been for 2 years. After another 2 years, it was dismissed against my husband and another party because he knew they weren't involved and he had no evidence of the allegations. This after spending hundreds of dollars. I would never recommend this attorney to anyone.

Jeff LeBlanc is an experienced attorney that can handle your situation at a reasonable price. I had a contract dispute that Mr. LeBlanc handled with perfect results. I recovered all the money I was owed and he did it quickly. I'd recommend Jeff LeBlanc to anyone that needs an attorney.

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Sister State JudgmentSometime ago I contracted with a California company to provide service to my Oregon business. After having paid them for service and never receiving it in the end I filed a lawsuit against them in Oregon and was awarded a Judgment. Needing to have this registered in California a friend in the area recommended the law firm of Anderson LeBlanc to me. I worked with Jeff LeBlanc and he promptly had the Judgment registered in California. The defendants then tried to have my Judgment vacated and used a “shotgun” approach to what they submitted to the Court, claiming I had committed fraud, statutes of limitations had expired, Oregon had no jurisdiction, service was improper, I had never asked for a refund, and much more. They also threatened action against myself and Jeff. To counter this barrage of claims Jeff invested substantial time and effort into a comprehensive response. The Court ruled in our favor, stating that he had provided “compelling” arguments why the Judgment should not be vacated. I would recommend Jeff and the firm of Anderson LeBlanc to anyone needing and attorney.Estate SettlementJeff's knowledge and understanding of the law saved us months of red tape and expense. His professionalism and expedient action made it possible to receive all money due us which was being held because of legal technicalities.Civil/Neighbor HarassmentI found out about Mr. Leblanc as a referral. I was having issues with a neighbor that was yelling and throwing items over the fence dividing our property. He even went as far as going to my job in an attempt to have me fired. Mr. Leblanc was very helpful, understanding and knowledgable. After years of dealing with this he was able to fix the situation in a matter of weeks. I am happy to say that I have had no further issues with the neighbor. I would recommend Mr. Leblanc without hesitation.